Young Razzle
William Morrow 1991
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- dreams and ambition
- family expectations
- mentorship
- integrity and sportsmanship
- coming of age
- resilience
- identity
About this book
Joe Nugent dreams of following his late father into professional baseball, even if it means leaving the only home he’s known and defying his grandmother’s wishes. As he rides buses from tryout to tryout, Joe discovers the tough grind of the minors—long days, short pay, and big pressures. Along the way he learns what talent, discipline, and character really mean. Readers who love sports stories and underdog journeys will root hard for Joe’s shot at the big leagues.
Setting: minor-league baseball parks and small American towns
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Young Razzle right for my child?
Yes — Young Razzle is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.6, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include perseverance, dreams and ambition, family expectations.
How long does it take to read Young Razzle?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Young Razzle takes around 5.3h to finish. The book has 52,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Young Razzle have an AR quiz?
Yes — Young Razzle has an AR quiz available, worth 7 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Young Razzle?
Young Razzle has an AR reading level of 5.6, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.